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Frequent Questions for Consumers about the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act

The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) address concerns consumers may raise regarding the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products final rule pursuant to Title VI of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

1. What action has EPA taken?

EPA finalized a rule to help reduce harmful exposures to formaldehyde emitted into the air from certain composite wood products. This new rule implements the formaldehyde emission standards and other provisions required under the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, which added Title VI to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The final rule also establishes a third-party certification program for laboratory testing and oversight of formaldehyde emissions from manufactured and/or imported composite wood products.

2. What are composite wood products and what types are covered by the final rule?

Composite wood products are wood products created by binding strands, particles, fibers, veneers, or boards of wood together with adhesives (i.e., glues). There are three composite wood products that are regulated under TSCA Title VI: hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard (includes thin-MDF), and particleboard. These composite wood products are commonly used in the manufacture of furniture, kitchen cabinets, flooring, picture frames and wooden children’s toys, among other products.

3. What is formaldehyde and how is it used in composite wood products?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used in resins (i.e., glues) used in the manufacture of composite wood products (i.e., hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard).

4. What are the health effects of formaldehyde exposure?

Formaldehyde exposure can have a negative effect on health, both in the short and long term. Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. High levels of exposure may cause some types of cancers.

5. When do the rule requirements come into force?

The formaldehyde emission standards came into force beginning June 1, 2018. By June 1, 2018, and until March 22, 2019, regulated composite wood panels and finished goods containing such composite wood panels that are manufactured (in the United States) or imported (into the United States) must be certified as compliant with the TSCA Title VI or the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCM) Phase II emission standards, which are set at identical levels, by a third-party certifier (TPC) approved by CARB and recognized by EPA. All regulated composite wood products, and finished goods containing composite wood products, manufactured in or imported into the United States after March 22, 2019 are required to be certified as TSCA Title VI compliant by an EPA TSCA Title VI TPC with all of the required accreditations.

6. Who is subject to the final rule requirements?

Those who sell, supply, offer for sale, manufacture or import composite wood products are subject to the final rule requirements. This includes manufacturers, importers, fabricators (e.g., furniture makers) distributors and retailers. Third party certifiers (TPCs) who certify that composite wood products are compliant with the EPA rule and accreditation bodies who accredit and oversee the TPCs are also affected by the rule.

8. How does this regulation differ from the CARB regulation?

The formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products under the EPA final rule, and set by Congress, are identical to the California “Phase 2” formaldehyde emission standards. EPA worked to align the other requirements of the federal rule with the California requirements. However, there are a few differences. Unlike the California requirements, among other things, the EPA rule:

9. Are compliant wood products labeled?

Yes. Beginning June 1, 2018, regulated composite wood products, and finished goods containing composite wood products, manufactured in or imported into the United States are required to be labeled as CARB ATCM Phase II or TSCA Title VI compliant. All regulated composite wood products, and finished goods containing composite wood products, manufactured in or imported into the United States after March 22, 2019 are required to be labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant.

Until March 22, 2019, CARB ATCM Phase II compliant composite wood panels are considered TSCA Title VI compliant, and the CARB ATCM Phase II label will satisfy the TSCA Title VI labeling requirement. All composite wood panels manufactured in or imported into the United States after March 22, 2019 must be TSCA Title VI compliant and the label on composite wood panels must include the panel producer’s name, lot number, an EPA-recognized TSCA Title VI Third-Party Certifier number, and a TSCA Title VI compliance statement.

Until March 22, 2019, the CARB Phase II label on finished goods will satisfy the TSCA Title VI labeling requirements. The labels on finished goods produced in or imported into the United States after March 22, 2019 must include the fabricator’s name, the date the finished good was produced (in month/year format), and a TSCA Title VI compliance statement.

10. How does EPA ensure that composite wood products do not exceed the emission standards?

EPA established a third-party certification program for laboratory testing and oversight of formaldehyde emissions from manufactured and/or imported regulated composite wood products. This helps to ensure only composite wood products compliant with the formaldehyde emission standards enter the supply chain.